Methods for providing quickly customizable apparatuses that secure portable electronic devices to display tables and other display surfaces

ABSTRACT

Security apparatuses, and methods for providing the same, are described herein. In certain embodiments, a security apparatus includes first and second mounting brackets each including a respective support shelf and a respective support arm. One or more brace elements are attached to the support shelf of each of the mounting brackets. Each brace element includes a respective corner element to be placed over a respective one of four corners of a rectangular shaped portable electronic device. A pair of neck portions are securable to one another with the first and second support arms sandwiched therebetween. A collar is configured to be slid over and encase peripheries of the neck portions. One or more bolts or other fastener(s) extending from at least one of the neck portions, or attached thereto, is/are used to secure the security apparatus to a tabletop of a display table or to another display surface.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/572,283, filed Sep. 16, 2019, which issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,920,922 on Feb. 16, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/875,706, filed Jul. 18, 2019. Priority isclaimed to each of the above applications, and each of the aboveapplications is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

Embodiments of the present technology relate to apparatuses that secureportable electronic devices to tabletops of display tables and to otherdisplay surfaces.

BACKGROUND

Portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, tablet computers,e-book readers, and the like, are often sold in retail stores. To enablecustomers to view, touch, and interface with such portable electronicdevices in a retail store, the portable electronic devices are oftendisplayed on a display table. The portable electronic devices, which areoften costly, are typically secured to the display table to preventtheft. For example, a portable electronic device can be physicallysecured to a table using what is often referred to as a security displaystand. Such security display stands may be customized for a specificsize of a specific portable electronic device. It often takes a fewweeks to a few months lead-time for a security display standmanufacturer to design, build, and distribute a new customized securitydisplay stand that is suitable for securing a portable electronic deviceto a tabletop of a display table to another display surface. It istypically the case that whenever a new model of a portable electronicdevice is released, the size of the device is changed compared to theprevious model. Accordingly, it is typically the case that whenever anew model of a portable electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone) isreleased, a new customized security display stand (that is suitable forsecuring the portable electronic device to a display table) is notavailable to retail stores for at least a few weeks, and potentially upto a few months.

SUMMARY

Certain embodiments of the present technology are directed to securityapparatuses adapted to selectively secure a rectangular shaped portableelectronic device (e.g., mobile phone, e-reader, personal dataassistant, or a tablet computer) to tabletop of a display table or toanother display surface, and methods for providing such securityapparatuses. In accordance with an embodiment, such a security apparatusincludes first and second mounting brackets, the first mounting bracketincluding a first support shelf and a first support arm that is at afirst angle relative to the first support shelf, and a second mountingbracket including a second support shelf and a second support arm thatis at a second angle relative to the second support shelf. The first andsecond mounting brackets are configured such that the first and secondsupport shelves collectively provide a contiguous support surface whenthe first and second support arms are placed back-to-back against oneanother. At least one corner element is secured to the first supportshelf, and at least one corner element is secured to the second supportshelf. Each of the corner elements is configured to be placed over arespective one of four corners of a rectangular shaped portableelectronic device, such as a mobile phone. The security apparatus alsoincludes first and second neck portions configured to be secured to oneanother with the first and second support arms sandwiched between thefirst and second neck portions. The first and second neck portions areconfigured to support the contiguous support surface a distance from adisplay table or other display surface. Additionally, the securityapparatus includes a collar that is configured to be slid over andencase peripheries of the first and second neck portions while the firstand second neck portions are secured to one another with the first andsecond support arms sandwiched between the first and second neckportions.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the first mounting bracket ismade from a first blank cut or stamped from a sheet of metal or alloyand bent at the first angle along a first bend line so that the firstsupport arm and the first support shelf are on opposites sides of thefirst bend line and are at the first angle relative to one another.Similarly, the second mounting bracket is made from a second blank cutor stamped from a sheet of metal or alloy and bent at the second anglealong a second bend line so that the second support arm and the secondsupport shelf are on opposites sides of the second bend line and are atthe second angle relative to one another. In accordance with certainembodiments, a sum of the first and second angles is 180 degrees.

Each of the first support arm, the second support arm, and the secondneck portion can include at least one through-hole extendingtherethrough, and the apparatus can further include at least onefastener that extends through the through-hole(s) of the first supportarm, the second support arm, and the second neck portion to therebysecure the first and second neck portions to one another with the firstand second support arms sandwiched between the first and second neckportions.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the at least one corner elementsecured to the first support shelf comprises first and second cornerelements secured to the first support shelf and configured to be placedover first and second corners of a rectangular shaped portableelectronic device. Further, the at least one corner element secured tothe second support shelf comprises third and fourth corner elementssecured to the second support shelf and configured to be placed overthird and fourth corners of a rectangular shaped portable electronicdevice.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the first support shelf of thefirst mounting bracket includes at least one brace support elementextending outward from at least one distal corner region of the firstsupport shelf. Similarly, the second support shelf of the secondmounting bracket includes at least one brace support element extendingoutward from at least one distal corner region of the second supportshelf. Further, each of the corner elements is part of a respectivebrace element that also includes an attachment element that isconfigured to be attached to one of the brace support elements of one ofthe first and second support shelves to thereby secure the cornerelements to the support shelves. The brace elements that include thecorner elements can be secured to the brace support elements of firstand second support shelves using a fastener, a notch and a slot, a weld,a braze and/or an adhesive, but is not limited thereto.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the first and second mountingbrackets are customized for a specific portable electronic device model.By contrast, the corner elements and the first and second neck portionsare configured to be used with a plurality of different portableelectronic device models.

In accordance with certain embodiments, a method of providing a securityapparatus (that can be used to secure a rectangular shaped portableelectronic devices to a tabletop of a display table or to anotherdisplay surface) includes: stocking in inventory multiple units of eachof two or more versions of a brace element that includes a cornerelement configured to be placed over a corner of a rectangular shapedportable electronic device, each of the versions for use with adifferent range of portable electronic device thicknesses; stocking ininventory multiple units of first and second neck portions configured tobe secured to one another; stocking in inventory multiple units of acollar configured to be slid over peripheries of the first and secondneck portions; and stocking in inventory multiple units of fastenerhardware. The method further includes producing on-demand custom firstand second mounting brackets for a specific model of a specificrectangular shaped portable electronic device. The method furtherincludes selecting one of the versions of the brace elements, based on athickness of the specific model of the specific rectangular shapedportable electronic device, and attaching one or more of the selectedversion of the brace element to each of the first and second mountingbrackets. The method also involves including, within a box or bag, thecustom first and second mounting brackets with the one or more of theselected version of the brace element attached to each of the first andsecond mounting brackets, along with a unit of each of the first andsecond neck portions obtained from inventory, a unit of the collarobtained from inventory, and a unit of the fastener hardware obtainedfrom the inventory, wherein the fastener hardware is for use in securingportions of the customized first and second mounting brackets betweenthe units of the first and second neck portions. The fastener hardwarecan also be for use in attaching the security apparatus to a tabletop ofa display table or to another display surface. The method can furtherinvolve shipping the box or bag, e.g., to a retail store.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the customized first and secondmounting brackets are produced for a specific model of a specificrectangular shaped portable electronic device, by cutting or stamping afirst blank from a sheet of metal or alloy, and cutting or stamping asecond blank from a sheet of metal or alloy. The method can also involvebending the first blank to form a first support shelf and a firstsupport arm that is at a first angle relative to the first supportshelf, the first support shelf and the first support arm comprisingparts of the first mounting bracket; and bending the second blank toform a second support shelf and a second support arm that is at a secondangle relative to the second support shelf, the second support shelf andthe second support arm comprising parts of the second mounting bracket.

In certain embodiments, prior to bending the first and second blanks,holes are drilled in portions of the first and second blanks that willcomprise brace support element portions of the first and second supportshelves, and further holes are drilled in portions of the first andsecond blanks that will comprise the support arms. Rivets or otherfasteners are inserted through the holes in the portions of the firstand second blanks that comprise brace support element portions of thefirst and second support shelves, and through corresponding holes inattachment elements of the brace elements, to thereby attach the braceelements to the brace support element portions.

In accordance with certain embodiments, computer aided design softwareis used to design patterns for the first and second blanks based ondimensions for a specific model of a specific rectangular shapedportable electronic device.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a security apparatus according toan embodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 2A is top view of the security apparatus introduced in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the security apparatus introduced in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is side view of the security apparatus introduced in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is an exploded front perspective view of the security apparatusintroduced in FIG. 1. FIG. 4B is an exploded front perspective view of asecurity apparatus according to another embodiment of the presenttechnology, wherein a neck base is attached to first and second neckportions of the security apparatus. FIGS. 4C and 4D show alternativetypes of neck bases that can be attached to the first and second neckportions of the security apparatus. FIGS. 4A through 4D can be referredto collectively as FIG. 4.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the first and second mounting bracketsintroduced in FIG. 4, and is used to describe additional details of themounting brackets and components thereof.

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a blank that is cut or stamped from asheet of metal or alloy and thereafter bent to provide the firstmounting bracket shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A.

FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a blank that is cut or stamped from asheet of metal or alloy and thereafter bent to provide the secondmounting bracket shown in FIGS. 4 and 5A.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E are, respectively, front perspective, front,side, top, and bottom views of a brace element according to anembodiment of the present technology.

FIG. 7 is a high level flow diagram used to summarize methods, accordingto certain embodiments of the present technology, for providing asecurity apparatus that can be used to secure a rectangular shapedportable electronic devices to a tabletop of a display table or toanother display surface.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The benefits, features, and advantages of the various embodiments of thepresent technology will become better understood with regard to thefollowing description and accompanying drawings. The followingdescription is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art tomake and use embodiments of the present technology as provided withinthe context of a particular application and its requirements. Variousmodifications to the embodiments described herein will, however, beapparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles definedherein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the embodimentsof the present invention are not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments shown and described herein, but are to beaccorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novelfeatures herein disclosed.

Embodiments of the present technology relate to quickly customizablesecurity apparatuses that can be used to selectively secure arectangular shaped portable electronic devices to a tabletop of adisplay table or to another display surface. Examples of suchrectangular shaped portable electronic devices, each of which can alsobe referred to more succinctly as a portable electronic device, include,but are not limited to, mobile phones, tablet computers, e-book readers,and personal data assistants (PDAs).

The quickly customizable security apparatus, which can also be referredto herein more succinctly as a security apparatus or a security displaystand, can be used to secure a portable electronic device to a displaytable in a manner that enables a customer or other person to view,touch, and interface with the portable electronic device. In accordancewith the embodiments described herein, certain components of the quicklycustomizable security apparatus can be used regardless of the size ofthe portable electronic device with which the security apparatus isintended to be used, while other components of the quickly customizablesecurity apparatus are designed such that they can be manufactured andassembled with a very short lead-time (e.g., in just a few days, andlikely in just a few hours). In other words, certain components can beproduced on-demand. Accordingly, such embodiments enable a customizedsecurity display stand to be available to retailers almost immediatelyafter the dimensions of a new portable electronic device (e.g., a newiPhone™) are released by a company (e.g., by Apple, Inc.™).

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a quickly customizable securityapparatus 102 according to an embodiment of the present technology. Thequickly customizable security apparatus 102 can alternatively bereferred to as a quickly customizable security display stand 102, ormore succinctly as a security display stand or a security apparatus.Referring to FIG. 1, the security apparatus 102 is shown as including asupport surface 104 that is at an angle relative to a neck 152. As willbe described in additional detail below, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 4and 5, the support surface 104 is made up of parts of two mountingbrackets (112, 122). Still referring to FIG. 1, attached to the supportsurface 104 are four brace elements 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, and 132 d. Thefour brace elements 132 a, 132 b, 132 c, and 132 d, which can bereferred to collectively as the brace elements 132, or individually as abrace element 132, are used to secure a portable electronic device(e.g., a mobile phone 204 represented in dotted line) to the supportsurface 104, and the neck 152 is used to hold the support surface 104(and any portable electronic device secured thereto) at a distance above(and preferably at an acute angle, e.g., 15 degrees, relative to) adisplay table. Each of the brace elements 132 includes a corner element134 and an attachment element 136, which are discussed in more detailbelow. FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 3 are respectively, front, bottom, and sideviews of the security apparatus 102 introduced in FIG. 1. FIG. 4A is anexploded front perspective view of the security apparatus 102 introducedin FIG. 1. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of first and second mountingbrackets 112, 122, which are also shown in the exploded view in FIG. 4A.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 5A, the security apparatus 102 is shown asincluding first and second mounting brackets 112, 122. The firstmounting bracket 112 includes a first support shelf 114 and a firstsupport arm 116 that is at an angle α relative to the first supportshelf 114. The second mounting bracket 122 includes a second supportshelf 124 and a second support arm 126 that is at an angle β relative tothe second support shelf 124. In order to cause the first and secondsupport shelves 114, 124 to be contiguous with one another, and at thesame angle relative to display table to which the security apparatus 102is attached, a sum of the angles α and β should equal 180 degrees (i.e.,α+β=180 degrees). For example, the angle α can be 75 degrees, and thatangle β can be 105 degrees. This would cause the portable electronicdevice, secured by the security apparatus 102, to be at a 15 degreeangle relative to a tabletop of a display table to which the apparatus102 is secured. For another example, the angle α can be 60 degrees, andthat angle β can be 120 degrees. This would cause the portableelectronic device, secured by the security apparatus 102, to be at a 20degree angle relative to a tabletop of a display table to which theapparatus 102 is secured. It would also be possible for the angle α0 tobe 90 degrees, and for the angle β to also be 90 degrees. Other valuesfor α and β are also possible and within the scope of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the first and second mounting brackets112, 122. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a blank 111 that is cut(e.g., laser cut or mechanically cut) or stamped from a sheet of metalor alloy and thereafter bent (along the dotted line 113) to provide thefirst mounting bracket 112. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of a blank 121that is cut or stamped from a sheet of metal or alloy and thereafterbent (along the dotted line 123) to provide the second mounting bracket124. Referring to FIG. 5B, a portion of the blank 111 that is on oneside of the bend (along the dotted line 113) forms the first supportshelf 114, and another portion of the blank 111 that is on the otherside of the bend (along the dotted line 113) forms the first support arm116. Referring to FIG. 5C, a portion of the blank 121 that is on oneside of the bend (along the dotted line 123) forms the second supportshelf 124, and another portion of the blank 121 that is on the otherside of the bend (along the dotted line 123) forms the second supportarm 126. Metalworking machines that can be used to bend the blanks 111and 121 are often referred to as brakes, bending machines, bendingbreaks, sheet metal folders, or folders. The blanks 111, 121 can be cutor stamped from the same sheet of metal or alloy, or from separatesheets of metal or alloy. Such cutting can be performed by lasercutting, mechanical cutting, or milling, but is not limited thereto. Thevarious through-holes can be drilled (e.g., by a drill press) orotherwise made (e.g., using a laser) in the blanks 111 and 121 beforethey are bent, or after they are bent, and may even be drilled orotherwise made before the blanks 111, 121 are cut or stamped from one ormore sheet(s) of metal or alloy. FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C can also bereferred to collectively herein as FIG. 5.

As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B, the first support shelf 114 includes apair of brace support elements 115 that are shown as extending outwardfrom distal corner regions of the first support shelf 114. Each of thebrace support elements 115 is shown as including a pair of through-holes117. As shown in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5C, the second support shelf 124includes a pair of brace support elements 125 that are shown asextending outward from distal corner regions of the second support shelf124. Each of the brace support elements 125 is shown as including a pairof through-holes 127.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first support arm 116 includes a pair ofthrough-hole 118 having a center-to-center distance that is the same asa center-to-center distance between a pair of through-holes 128 in thesecond support arm 126. The first and second mounting brackets 112, 122are configured such that the first and second support shelves 114 and124 collectively provide the contiguous and planar support surface 104when the first and second support arms 116, 126 are placed back-to-backagainst one another.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the security apparatus 102 is also shown asincluding a first neck portion 154 and a second neck portion 156, whichare parts or portions of a neck 152. The first neck portion 154 includesa pair of bolts 181 and the second neck portion 156 including a pair ofthrough-holes 183. A center-to-center distance between the pair of bolts181 is the same as the center-to-center distance between the pair ofthrough-holes 183, which are also the same as the center-to-centerdistance between the through-holes 118 of the first support arm 116 andthe center-to-center distance between the through-holes 128 of thesecond support arm 126.

In the embodiment shown, the first and second neck portions 154, 156 areconfigured to be secured to one another with the first and secondsupport arms 116, 126 sandwiched between the first and second neckportions 154, 156. While substantially the entire first and secondsupport arms 116, 126 are sandwiched between the first and second neckportions 154, 156 in the embodiment shown, it would also be possiblethat only smaller portions of the support arms 116, 126 are sandwichedbetween the neck portions 154, 156. In the embodiment shown, the bolts181 that extend from the first neck portion 154 are aligned with andpass through the through-holes 128 of the second support arm 126, thethrough-holes 118 of the first support arm 116, and the through-holes183 of the second neck portion 156, and then are secured to one anotherusing nuts 182 (e.g., wing-nuts) and the bolts 181, or some other typeof fasteners (besides nuts and bolts). In an alternative embodiment,both of the neck portions 154, 156 include respective through-holes, apair of bolts are passed through the through-holes of the neck portions154, 156, which are sandwiched around the first and second support arms116, 126, and nuts and bolts are used to secure that neck portions 154,156 and the support arms 116, 126 to one another. Alternativeembodiments can include more or less than two through-holes and twobolts. The bolts 181 and nuts 182 can be referred to collectively asfasteners 180 or fastener hardware. Other types of fasteners canalternatively or additionally be used. The first and second neckportions 154, 156 cannot be seen in many of the FIGS., such as FIGS.1-3, because they are covered by a collar 162 that is configured to beslid over and encase peripheries of the first and second neck portions154, 156 while the first and second support arms 116, 126 are sandwichedbetween the first and second neck portions 154, 156.

In accordance with certain embodiments, the fasteners 180, which areused to secure the first and second neck portions 154, 156 to oneanother, are covered by the collar 162 after the collar 162 has beenslid over and encases the peripheries of the first and second neckportions 154, 156. This makes the fasteners inaccessible to a potentialthief while the collar 162 encases the peripheries of the first andsecond neck portions 154, 156. As shown in FIG. 4A an opening 163 can beincluded in the collar 162 to allow a power cord to pass therethrough toallow a secured portable electronic device to be powered and/or chargedby plugging the power cord into an electric socket (not shown) locatedunder a tabletop. A portion of the such a power cord can be threadedthrough the collar such that it is between the collar and the neck.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2B, 3 and 4A, one or more bolts 190 (or other typesof fasteners) extend from the distal end of each of the first and secondneck portions 154, 156. As can be seen from the side view in FIG. 3,while the collar 162 is encasing the peripheries of the first and secondneck portions 154, 156, the bolts 190 extend downward from the neck 152(and more specifically, from distal ends of the first and second neckportions 154, 156) thereby enabling the bolts 190 to be inserted intothrough-holes in a tabletop 206 of a display table. Nuts 192 (e.g.,wingnuts) and/or other fastener hardware can then be used to secure thesecurity apparatus 102 to the tabletop 206 from the underside of thetabletop 206. Preferably, the underside of the tabletop 206 is madeinaccessible to customers and potential thieves in a retail store, e.g.,by being encased in a locked enclosure. This way potential thievescannot remove the security apparatus 102 from the display table, andthus, could not steal the portable electronic device that is secured tothe display table by the security apparatus 102. Further, while thesecurity apparatus 102 is secured to a display table, the collar 162cannot be removed, and thus, a potential thief cannot access thefasteners (e.g., the bolts 181 and the nuts 182 shown in FIG. 4) thatkeep the first and second neck portions 154, 156 secured to one anotherwith the first and second support arms 116, 126 sandwiched between thefirst and second neck portions 154, 156.

In FIG. 4A, a first pair of bolts 190 are shown extending directly fromthe distal end of the first neck portion 154, and a second pair of bolts190 are shown as extending directly from the distal end of the secondneck portion 156. More or less bolts may extend from each of the neckportions 154, 156. In an alternative embodiment of the securityapparatus 102 in FIG. 4B, the distal ends of the first and second neckportions 154, 156 include through holes to which a neck base 187 can beattached (e.g., using bots and nuts or other types of fasteners), andbolts 190 (or other types of fasteners) extend from the neck base 187.After the neck base 187 is attached to the first and second neckportions 154, 156 the collar 162 is used to encase the peripheries ofthe first and second neck portions 154, 156 and the neck base 187, afterwhich the bolts 190 will extend downward beyond the collar 162 to allowthe security apparatus 102 to be attached to a tabletop or to anotherdisplay surface. In FIG. 4B, the neck base 187 is shown as includingfour bolts 190 extending downward therefrom. In alternative embodiments,the neck base 187 can include more or less than four bolts 190, e.g.,just two or three bolts 190, or more than four bolts.

FIGS. 4C and 4D show alternative types of neck bases that can beattached to the first and second neck portions 154, 156 of the securityapparatus 102, in place of the neck base 187 shown in FIG. 4B. Morespecifically, FIG. 4C shows a neck base 188 that includes two bolts 190that are in-line with another and can be used to secure the securityapparatus 102 to a tabletop or other display surface that includes oneor more slots into which the bolts 190 can be inserted and secured fromthe underside or backside of the tabletop or other display surface,e.g., using wingnuts or other types of nuts. The bolts 190 shown in FIG.4C can alternatively be inserted into through holes rather than slots ina tabletop or other display surface. After the neck base 188 is attachedto the first and second neck portions 154, 156 the collar 162 is used toencase the peripheries of the first and second neck portions 154, 156and the neck base 188, after which the bolts 190 will extend downwardbeyond the collar 162 to allow the security apparatus 102 to be attachedto a tabletop or to another display surface.

FIG. 4D shows a neck base 189 that includes a single cylindricalthreaded rod 191 that can be inserted into a hole in a tabletop or otherdisplay surface and secured from the underside or backside of thetabletop or other display surface, e.g., using an appropriately sizedwingnut or other type of nut or fastener. The diameter of the threadedrod 191 can be, e.g., between 0.5 inches and 0.75 inches, but is notlimited thereto. After the neck base 189 is attached to the first andsecond neck portions 154, 156 the collar 162 is used to encase theperipheries of the first and second neck portions 154, 156 and the neckbase 189, after which the threaded rod 191 will extend downward beyondthe collar 162 to allow the security apparatus 102 to be attached to atabletop or to another display surface. FIGS. 4A through 4D can bereferred to collectively as FIG. 4, as noted above. In FIG. 4, and otherFIGS., to avoid clutter and complexity in the drawings, the threads onthe outer circumferences of the bolts 190 and the rod 191 are not shown.The bolts 190 and the rod 191 are examples of fasteners extending fromor attached to a distal end of at least one of the neck portions 154,156, and configured to be used to secure the security apparatus 102 to atabletop of a display table or to another display surface.

Referring again to FIG. 4B, also show therein is a SIM card protectorarm 130 can be added to any embodiment of the security apparatus 102 tocover a SIM card slot on a mobile phone (wherein the acronym SIM standsfor subscriber identification module) that is being secured by thesecurity apparatus 102, so at to prevent a thief from steeling a SIMcard from a displayed mobile phone. In FIG. 4B, the SIM card protectorarm 130 is shown as being L-shaped end extending from the right side ofthe support shelf 124. However, the precise dimensions and location ofthe SIM card protector arm 130 may depend on the specific phone forwhich the security apparatus 102 is being used to secure, and morespecifically, the location of the SIM card slot on the mobile phone.Instead of being attached to the support shelf 124 (or the support shelf114), the SIM card protector arm 130 can alternatively be integrallyformed with the support shelf 124 or the support shelf 114, inalternative embodiments. While only shown in FIG. 4B, a SIM cardprotector arm (the same or similar to the arm 130) can be added to orincluded in any of the embodiments described herein.

Each of the elements of the security apparatus 102, including, but notlimited to, the first and second mounting brackets 112, 122, the braceelements 132, the first and second neck portions 154, 156, and thecollar 162, are preferably made of a strong metal or alloy (akametal/alloy) so that the security apparatus 102 is sturdy and cannot bereadily bent, cut through, or otherwise broken or tempered with. Forexample, such elements can be made of steel. Different elements of thesecurity apparatus 102 can be made of the same metal/alloy or differentmetals/alloys than other elements. All or subsets of such elements canbe painted, powder coated, or otherwise covered to have any desiredcolor and appearance. Certain elements of the security apparatus 102 canbe molded and/or machined, such as the brace elements 132. Otherelements of the security apparatus 102, such as the mounting brackets112, 122, can be made from blanks that are cut (e.g., laser cut ormechanically cut) or stamped from a sheet of metal/alloy, and then bentinto a desired final configuration. The through-holes (e.g., 118, 128)in the mounting brackets 112, 122 can be made before or after theaforementioned bending, as noted above.

Each brace element 132, which can also be referred to more succinctly asa brace 132, includes a respective corner element 134 and a respectiveattachment element 136 (e.g., shown in FIGS. 2 and 6A-6D). Each of thecorner elements 134 is configured to be placed over a respective one offour corners of a rectangular shaped portable electronic device, such asthe mobile phone 204 represented in dotted line in FIG. 1. Suchrectangular shaped portable electronic devices can have sharp corners,but more likely, will have rounded corners, but nevertheless areconsidered rectangular shaped.

Each corner element 134 provides a pocket into which a corner of arectangular shaped portable electronic device can be inserted and held.In the embodiment shown, each corner element 134 includes a corneropening 135 (as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C) that enables a portion of a cornerof the rectangular shaped portable electronic device to be seen, butthat need not be the case. In other words, an alternative corner elementof a brace element 132 may not enable a portion of a corner of therectangular shaped portable electronic device to be seen. The actualform factor of the corner element 134 can be changed in a variety ofdifferent manners while still achieving its function of holding at leasta portion of a corner portion of a rectangular shaped portableelectronic device, to enable the portable electronic device to besecured to the security apparatus 102.

In the embodiment shown, each of the corner elements 134 wraps aroundportions of two adjacent sides of a rectangular shaped portableelectronic device at or nears its corner. For example, the cornerelement 134 of the brace element 132 a wraps around portions of the leftand bottom sides of a rectangular shaped portable electronic device nearits lower left corner. For another example, the corner element 134 ofthe brace element 132 d wraps around portions of the right and top sidesof a rectangular shaped portable electronic device near its upper rightcorner. Each of the attachment elements 136 is configured to be attachedto one of the brace support elements 115 or 125 of one of the mountingbrackets 112, 122. In certain embodiments, the attachment element 136 ofa brace element 132 can be attached to a brace support element 115 or125 (of one of the support shelves 114, 124) using rivets or other typesof fasteners, such as screws, or nuts and bolts, but are not limitedthereto. Alternatively, or additionally, an adhesive can be used toattach the attachment element 136 of a brace element 132 to a bracesupport element 115 or 125 (of one of the support shelves 114, 124).Alternatively, or additionally, welding or brazing can be used to attachthe attachment element 136 of a brace element 132 to a brace supportelement 115 or 125 (of one of the support shelves 114, 124). It wouldalso be possible to design and manufacture the attachment elements 136(of the brace support elements) and the brace support elements 115 or125 to mechanically inter-lock with one another, e.g., using notches andslots, and/or the like.

The brace element 132 a can also be referred to as a first brace element132 a or a lower left brace element 132 a; the brace element 132 b canalso be referred to as a second brace element 132 b or a lower rightbrace element 132 b; the brace element 132 c can also be referred to asa third brace element 132 c or an upper left brace element 132 c; andthe brace element 132 d can also be referred to as a fourth braceelement 132 d or an upper right brace element 132 d. Additional detailsof a brace element 132 are described below with reference to FIGS.6A-6E.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E are, respectively, front perspective, front,side, top, and bottom views of one of the brace elements 132 accordingto an embodiment of the present technology. As noted above, each braceelement 132 includes a corner element 134 and an attachment element 136.The corner element 134 and the attachment element 136 of each braceelement 132 can be integrally formed, or can be separately formed andattached to one another by welding and/or fasteners. Each brace element(or just the corner element 134 thereof) can be cast, molded and/ormachined. Alternatively, the brace elements, and the corner elementsthereof, can be integrally formed, e.g., by bending an appropriatelystamped or cut metal/alloy blank, or can be formed of multiple pieceswelded or otherwise attached to one another. Similarly, each attachmentelement 136 can be integrally formed, or can be formed of multiplepieces welded or otherwise attached to one another, as can beappreciated from the drawings. Further elements of the securityapparatus 102 can be cast, molded and/or machined, and/or made in avariety of different manners.

In the embodiment shown, the attachment element 136 includes a pair ofrecessed through-holes 138 that are used to attach the brace element 132to one of the brace support elements 115, 125 of one of the mountingbrackets 112, 122 (and more specifically, one of the support shelves114, 124 thereof). For example, rivets, screws, nuts and bolts, or thelike, can be inserted through the through-holes of the brace attachmentelement 136 and the brace support elements 115, 125. Other variationsare also possible, as noted above.

The security apparatus 102 described above and shown in FIGS. 1-5 wasshown and described as securing all four corners of a rectangular shapedportable electronic device, using four brace elements 132 and fourcorner element 134 thereof. In alternative embodiments, a securityapparatus can secure just two of the four corners of a rectangularshaped portable electronic device, using two brace elements (e.g., 132 aand 132 d, or 132 b and 132 c) and two corner elements 134 thereof. Insuch a case, corners (of a rectangular shaped portable electronicdevice) that are diagonal to one another should be secured using thesecurity apparatus. In other embodiments, a security apparatus cansecure just three of the four corners of a rectangular shaped portableelectronic device, using three brace elements 132 and three cornerelements 134 thereof, in which case, one of the four corners of therectangular shaped portable electronic device will not be secured by thesecurity apparatus. With any of the above described variations, apotential thief should not be able to remove a portable electronicdevice that is secured to a display table using one of the securityapparatuses.

As noted above, in accordance with the embodiments described herein,certain components of the quickly customizable security apparatus 102can be used regardless of the size of the portable electronic device(e.g., mobile phone) with which the security apparatus is intended to beused, while other components of the quickly customizable securityapparatus are designed such that they can be manufactured and assembledwith a very short lead-time (e.g., in just a few days, and likely injust a few hours). The components that can be used regardless of thesize of the portable electronic device with which the security apparatusis intended to be used can be referred to herein as universalcomponents. The components that are designed such that they can bemanufactured and assembled with a very short lead-time (e.g., in just afew days, and likely in just a few hours) can be referred to herein asquickly manufacturable customized components, or more succinctly, ascustomized components. Examples of universal components include, but arenot limited to, the first and second neck portions 154, 156 and thecollar 162. Examples of the customized components include, but are notlimited to, the first and second mounting brackets 112 and 122. Thefirst mounting bracket 112 includes certain components, such as thefirst support shelf 114 and the first support arm 116, which are alsoexamples of customized components. The second mounting bracket 122includes certain components, such as the second support shelf 124 andthe second support arm 126, which are also examples of customizedcomponents. There are also certain components of the quicklycustomizable security apparatus 102, such as the corner elements 134 (orthe entirety of the brace elements 132) that can be manufactured suchthat they can be used with portable electronic devices within a certainrange of thicknesses, wherein such components can be referred to asselectable standard components. For example, a first sized bracket caninclude a corner element for use with portable electronic devices havinga thickness in the range of 4.6 millimeters (mm) to 6.5 mm; a secondsized bracket can include a corner element for use with portableelectronic devices having a thickness in the range of 6.6 mm to 8.5 mm;and a third sized bracket can include a corner element for use withportable electronic devices having a thickness in the range of 8.6 mm to10.5 mm. These are just examples, which are not meant to be allencompassing.

Referring briefly back to FIGS. 1, 4, 5A, and 5C, a portion of thesecond support shelf 124, which is labeled 129, is shown as being bentand set back to accommodate a protruding camera lens of a portableelectronic device. Depending on the location of such a protruding cameralens, another way to accommodate a protruding camera lens (or some otherprotruding feature) can be to include an opening through a portion ofone of the support shelves 114, 124. Other custom features can also bemade to accommodate a specific design of a specific model of a specificportable electronic device.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present technology, acompany that makes and sells security apparatuses, such as the quicklycustomizable security apparatus 102, can stock the universal componentsin a single color (e.g., white) with a single finish (matte), or inmultiple colors (e.g., white, black, and silver) and/or multiplefinishes (e.g., matte, glossy, and semi-gloss). The company can alsostock the selectable standard components in each of a plurality ofsizes, in a single color and a single finish, or in multiple differentcolors and/or multiple different finishes. Thereafter, as soon as thedimensions of a new model of a mobile phone (or other portableelectronic device) are released by the seller of the mobile phone (orother portable electronic device), the company that makes and sellssecurity apparatuses can quickly design the custom components, e.g.,using computer aided design software, or the like, and then use computercontrolled cutting or stamping equipment to quickly cut custom blanks(e.g., the same as or similar to the blanks 111 and 121 shown in FIGS.5B and 5C), and then add holes and/or bends to the blanks as appropriateto produce custom brace support elements (the same as or similar to thebrace support elements 115, 125). It is also noted that even the socalled universal components can come in different sizes, e.g., differentlength neck portions and different length collars, so that a retailstore that orders a quickly customizable security apparatus (e.g., 102)can display portable electronic devices in their preferred manner.

In accordance with certain embodiments of the present technology, acompany that makes and sells security apparatuses, such as the quicklycustomizable security apparatus 102, may receive an order for a specificquantity of quickly customizable security apparatus that are customizedto hold a specific model of a specific company's portable electronicdevice. For example, a big-box store may order two hundred securityapparatuses that are intended to be used to display and secure thelatest model of a tablet computer in two hundred of the big-box store'slocations. The company that makes and sells the security apparatuses, ora subcontractor, or the like, can complete the order by selectingcertain components from their stock of universal components and theirstock of selectable standard components, and the company can quicklydesign and make the custom components (e.g., the mounting brackets), andthen ship the components along with assembly instructions to the big-boxstore. Where certain components are to be secured to other components(e.g., brace elements 132 are to be secured to brace support elements115 and 125), the company that makes and sells the security apparatusescan appropriately attach such elements to one another, or use asubcontractor, or the like, to perform such tasks, prior to suchcomponents being shipped to the big-box store or other type of retailstore.

All of the components that are needed to assemble a single securityapparatus (e.g., 102) that is for using in securing a single portableelectronic device (e.g., mobile phone) to a display table can be shippedin a single unit box or bag, and a plurality of such single unit boxesor bags can be shipped in a larger box or bag. Assembly instructions canbe included in each single unit box or bag, or just in the larger box orbag that includes multiple such single unit boxes or bags. Referringbriefly back to FIG. 4, all the components shown therein can be placedin a single unit box or bag. Preferably, the brace elements 132 shouldalready be secured to the brace support elements 115 and 125 of thesupport shelves 114 and 124 before such elements are placed in a singleunit box or bag and shipped to a retail store.

After a retail store receives their shipment of security apparatuses(e.g., 102), a worker can open a single unit box or bag and remove thecomponents thereof. In order to secure a portable electronic device(e.g., a mobile phone) to a display table, the worker will maneuver thefirst support shelf 114 relative to the lower side of the device (e.g.,mobile phone) such that the lower left and right corners of the devicefit within the corner elements 134 of the brace elements 132 a and 132b, and will maneuver the second support shelf 124 relative to the upperside of the device such that the upper left and right corners of thedevice fit within the corner elements 134 of the brace elements 132 cand 132 d. At that point, the first and second support arms 116, 126should be adjacent to one another with their through-holes 118, 128aligned with one another. The bolts 181 extending from the neck portion154 (or other fasteners) are then inserted through the through-holes118, 128 in the support arms 116, 126, as well as through thethrough-holes 183 of the other neck portion 152, and then nuts (e.g.,wing-nuts 182) can be used to secure the neck portions 152 and 154 toone another with the first and second support arms 116, 126 sandwichedtherebetween. Thereafter, the collar 162 is slid over the first andsecond neck portions 152 and 154, after which the bolts 190 will extenddownward beyond the collar 162. The bolts 190 can then be inserted intothrough-holes in a tabletop (e.g., 206 in FIG. 3) of a display table. Asshown in FIG. 3, nuts 192 (e.g., wingnuts) can then be used to securethe security apparatus 102 to the tabletop 206 from the underside of thetabletop 206.

The high level flow diagram of FIG. 7 will now be used to summarizemethods, according to certain embodiments of the present technology, forproviding a security apparatus that can be used to secure a rectangularshaped portable electronic devices to tabletop of a display table or toanother display surface.

Referring to FIG. 7, step 702 involves stocking in inventory multipleunits of each of two or more versions of a brace element (e.g., 132)that includes a corner element (e.g., 134) configured to be placed overa corner of a rectangular shaped portable electronic device, whereineach of the versions is for use with a different range of portableelectronic device thicknesses. For example, a first version of the braceelement (e.g., 132) can include a corner element (e.g., 134) for usewith portable electronic devices having a thickness in the range of 4.6millimeters (mm) to 6.5 mm; a second version of the brace element caninclude a corner element for use with portable electronic devices havinga thickness in the range of 6.6 mm to 8.5 mm; and a third version of thebrace element can include a corner element for use with portableelectronic devices having a thickness in the range of 8.6 mm to 10.5 mm.These are just examples, which are not meant to be all encompassing.

Step 704 involves stocking in inventory multiple units of first andsecond neck portions (e.g., 154, 156) configured to be secured to oneanother. Step 706 involves stocking in inventory multiple units of acollar (e.g., 162) configured to be slid over peripheries of the firstand second neck portions. Step 708 involves stocking in inventorymultiple units of fastener hardware (e.g., 182, 192, etc.).

Still referring to FIG. 7, step 710 involves producing on-demand customfirst and second mounting brackets (e.g., 112 and 122) for a specificmodel of a specific rectangular shaped portable electronic device. Step710 can include using computer aided design software to design patternsfor first and second blanks (e.g., 111 and 121) based on dimensions forthe specific model of the specific rectangular shaped portableelectronic device. Step 710 can also include cutting or stamping a firstblank (e.g., 111) from a sheet of metal or alloy, and cutting orstamping a second blank (e.g., 121) from a sheet of metal or alloy,which can be the same or different from the sheet from which the firstblank is cut or stamped. Step 710 can further include bending the firstblank (e.g., 111) to form a first support shelf (e.g., 114) and a firstsupport arm (e.g., 116) that is at a first angle (e.g., 60 degrees)relative to the first support shelf, as well as bending the second blank(e.g., 121) to form a second support shelf (e.g., 124) and a secondsupport arm (e.g., 126) that is at a second angle (e.g., 120 degrees)relative to the second support shelf. Further, prior to bending thefirst and second blanks, holes (e.g., 117, 127) may be drilled inportions of the first and second blanks (e.g., 111, 121) that willcomprise brace support element portions (e.g., 115, 125) of the firstand second support shelves, and further holes (e.g., 118, 128) may bedrilled in portions of the first and second blanks (e.g., 111, 121) thatwill comprise the support arms (e.g., 116, 126).

Step 712 involves selecting one of the versions of the brace elements(e.g., 132), based on a thickness of the specific model of the specificrectangular shaped portable electronic device, and attaching one or moreof the selected version of the brace elements to each of the first andsecond mounting brackets. For example, if the thickness of the specificmodel of the specific rectangular shaped portable electronic device is7.2 mm, then the version of the brace element including the cornerelement for use with devices having a thickness in the range of 6.6 mmto 8.5 mm may be selected. The attaching can be performed, e.g., usingrivets or other fasteners inserted through the holes (e.g., 117, 127) inthe portions of the first and second blanks (e.g., 111, 121) thatcomprise brace support element portions (e.g., 115, 125) of the firstand second support shelves (e.g., 114, 124), and through correspondingholes (e.g., 138) in attachment elements (e.g., 136) of the braceelements (e.g., 132). Other ways of attaching brace element 132 to thebrace support portions, e.g., using notches and slots, an adhesive,welding, brazing, etc., may alternatively or additionally be used.

Step 714 involves including, within a box or bag, the custom first andsecond mounting brackets with the one or more of the selected version ofthe brace elements attached to each of the first and second mountingbrackets, along with a unit of each of the first and second neckportions obtained from inventory, a unit of the collar obtained frominventory, and a unit of the fastener hardware obtained from theinventory. Such fastener hardware is for use in securing portions of thecustom first and second mounting brackets between the units of the firstand second neck portions, as well as for attaching the securityapparatus as a whole to a tabletop of display table or to anotherdisplay surface.

Step 716 involves shipping the box or bag, which includes the customfirst and second mounting brackets with the one or more of the selectedversion of the brace element attached to each of the first and secondmounting brackets, along with the unit of each of the first and secondneck portions obtained from inventory, the unit of the collar obtainedfrom inventory, and the unit of the fastener hardware obtained frominventory.

The security apparatuses of the embodiments of the present technologycan be used to secure portable electronic devices to other displaysurfaces besides a horizontal display table. For example, suchapparatuses can also be used to secure portable electronic devices tovertical display wall, if desired, or more generally, to any one ofvarious different types of display surfaces.

The description of the present disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to beexhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosure. The aspects of the disclosure herein were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure andthe practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in theart to understand the disclosure with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated.

The disclosure has been described in conjunction with variousembodiments. However, other variations and modifications to thedisclosed embodiments can be understood and effected from a study of thedrawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and such variationsand modifications are to be interpreted as being encompassed by theappended claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not excludeother elements or steps, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does notexclude a plurality.

For purposes of this document, it should be noted that the dimensions ofthe various features depicted in the figures may not necessarily bedrawn to scale.

For purposes of this document, reference in the specification to “anembodiment,” “one embodiment,” “some embodiments,” or “anotherembodiment” may be used to describe different embodiments or the sameembodiment.

For purposes of this document, a connection may be a direct connectionor an indirect connection (e.g., via one or more other parts). In somecases, when an element is referred to as being connected or coupled toanother element, the element may be directly connected to the otherelement or indirectly connected to the other element via interveningelements. When an element is referred to as being directly connected toanother element, then there are no intervening elements between theelement and the other element.

For purposes of this document, without additional context, use ofnumerical terms such as a “first” object, a “second” object, and a“third” object may not imply an ordering of objects, but may instead beused for identification purposes to identify different objects.

The foregoing detailed description has been presented for purposes ofillustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the subject matter claimed herein to the precise form(s)disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light ofthe above teachings. The described embodiments were chosen in order tobest explain the principles of the disclosed technology and itspractical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art tobest utilize the technology in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope be defined by the claims appended hereto.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of providing a security apparatus thatcan be used to secure a rectangular shaped portable electronic device toa display surface, the method comprising: obtaining dimensions for aspecific model of the specific rectangular shaped portable electronicdevice; selecting a version of a brace element, from inventory thereof,based on a thickness of the specific model of the specific rectangularshaped portable electronic device; and producing custom first and secondmounting brackets for the specific model of the specific rectangularshaped portable electronic device, by using computer aided designsoftware to design a first pattern for a first blank and a secondpattern for a second blank based on the dimensions for the specificmodel of the specific rectangular shaped portable electronic device;cutting or stamping the first blank from a sheet of metal or alloy basedon the first pattern; cutting or stamping the second blank from a sheetof metal or alloy based on the second pattern; bending the first blankto form the first mounting bracket; bending the second blank to form thesecond mounting bracket; and attaching one or more of the selectedversion of the brace element to each of the first and second mountingbrackets; including, within a box or bag, the custom first and secondmounting brackets with the one or more of the selected version of thebrace element attached to each of the first and second mountingbrackets, along with first and second neck portions obtained frominventory thereof, a unit of a collar obtained from inventory thereof,and a unit of fastener hardware obtained from inventory thereof, thefastener hardware for use in securing portions of the custom first andsecond mounting brackets between the first and second neck portions andfor use in securing the security apparatus to a display surface.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the bending the first blank to form thefirst mounting bracket comprises bending the first blank to form a firstsupport shelf and a first support arm that is at a first angle relativeto the first support shelf, the first support shelf and the firstsupport arm comprising parts of the first mounting bracket; and thebending the second blank to form the second mounting bracket comprisesbending the second blank to form a second support shelf and a secondsupport arm that is at a second angle relative to the second supportshelf, the second support shelf and the second support arm comprisingparts of the second mounting bracket.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein:each of the custom first and second mounting brackets for the specificmodel of the specific rectangular shaped portable electronic device,after the bending of the first and second blanks, comprises a respectivebrace support element portion and a respective support arm; theproducing the custom first and second mounting brackets for the specificmodel of the specific rectangular shaped portable electronic device,further comprises, prior to bending the first and second blanks,drilling holes in portions of the first and second blanks that willcomprise brace support element portions of the first and second supportshelves, and drilling further holes in portions of the first and secondblanks that will comprise the support arms; and the attaching the atleast one of the selected version of the brace element to each of thefirst and second support shelves comprises inserting rivets or otherfasteners through the holes in the portions of the first and secondblanks that comprise brace support element portions of the first andsecond support shelves, and through corresponding holes in an attachmentelement of each said selected version of the brace element.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein: the fastener hardware selected frominventory thereof is for use in securing portions of the custom firstand second mounting brackets between portions of the neck and for use insecuring the security apparatus to a display surface.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: stocking in inventory multiple units ofeach of two or more versions of the brace element that includes a cornerelement configured to be placed over a corner of a rectangular shapedportable electronic device, each of the versions for use with adifferent range of portable electronic device thicknesses; stocking ininventory multiple units of each of the first and second neck portions;stocking in inventory multiple units of the collar configured to be slidover peripheries of the first and second neck portions; and stocking ininventory multiple units of the fastener hardware.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: shipping the box or bag, which includes thecustom first and second mounting brackets with the one or more of theselected version of the brace element attached to each of the first andsecond mounting brackets, along the first and second neck portionsobtained from inventory, the unit of the collar obtained from inventory,and the unit of the fastener hardware obtained from inventory.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: stocking in inventory multipleunits of each of two or more versions of a neck base that can beattached to the first and second neck portions and is used to attach thesecurity apparatus to a display surface; selecting one of the versionsof the neck base; and including, within the box or bag, the selectedversion of the neck base.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein theselecting one of the versions of the neck base is based on a customerrequest.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein: a first said version of theneck base includes a plurality of bolts; and a second said version ofthe neck base includes a single cylindrical threaded rod.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the rectangular shaped portable electronic devicethat the apparatus can be used to secure to a display surface comprisesa mobile phone or a tablet computer.
 11. A method of providing asecurity apparatus that can be used to secure a rectangular shapedportable electronic device to a display surface, the method comprising:stocking in inventory multiple units of each of two or more versions ofa brace element that includes a corner element configured to be placedover a corner of a rectangular shaped portable electronic device, eachof the versions for use with a different range of portable electronicdevice thicknesses; stocking in inventory multiple units of first andsecond neck portions configured to be secured to one another; stockingin inventory multiple units of a collar configured to be slid overperipheries of the first and second neck portions; stocking in inventorymultiple units of fastener hardware; producing on-demand custom firstand second mounting brackets for a specific model of a specificrectangular shaped portable electronic device; selecting one of theversions of the brace element, based on a thickness of the specificmodel of the specific rectangular shaped portable electronic device, andattaching one or more of the selected version of the brace element toeach of the first and second mounting brackets; and including, within abox or bag, the custom first and second mounting brackets with the oneor more of the selected version of the brace element attached to each ofthe first and second mounting brackets, along with a unit of each of thefirst and second neck portions obtained from inventory, a unit of thecollar obtained from inventory, and a unit of the fastener hardwareobtained from inventory, the fastener hardware for use in securingportions of the custom first and second mounting brackets between theunits of the first and second neck portions and for use in securing thesecurity apparatus to a display surface.
 12. The method of claim 11,wherein the producing the custom first and second mounting brackets forthe specific model of the specific rectangular shaped portableelectronic device, comprises: cutting or stamping a first blank from asheet of metal or alloy; cutting or stamping a second blank from a sheetof metal or alloy; bending the first blank to form a first support shelfand a first support arm that is at a first angle relative to the firstsupport shelf, the first support shelf and the first support armcomprising parts of the first mounting bracket; and bending the secondblank to form a second support shelf and a second support arm that is ata second angle relative to the second support shelf, the second supportshelf and the second support arm comprising parts of the second mountingbracket.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein: each of the custom firstand second mounting brackets for the specific model of the specificrectangular shaped portable electronic device, after the bending of thefirst and second blanks, comprises a respective brace support elementportion and a respective support arm; the producing the custom first andsecond mounting brackets for the specific model of the specificrectangular shaped portable electronic device, further comprises, priorto bending the first and second blanks, drilling holes in portions ofthe first and second blanks that will comprise brace support elementportions of the first and second support shelves, and drilling furtherholes in portions of the first and second blanks that will comprise thesupport arms; and the attaching the at least one of the selected versionof the brace element to each of the first and second support shelvescomprises inserting rivets or other fasteners through the holes in theportions of the first and second blanks that comprise brace supportelement portions of the first and second support shelves, and throughcorresponding holes in attachment elements of the brace elements. 14.The method of claim 12, further comprising: using computer aided designsoftware to design patterns for the first and second blanks based ondimensions for the specific model of the specific rectangular shapedportable electronic device.
 15. The method of claim 11, furthercomprising: shipping the box or bag, which includes the custom first andsecond mounting brackets with the one or more of the selected version ofthe brace element attached to each of the first and second mountingbrackets, along with the unit of each of the first and second neckportions obtained from inventory, the unit of the collar obtained frominventory, and the unit of the fastener hardware obtained frominventory.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: stocking ininventory multiple units of each of two or more versions of a neck basethat can be attached to the first and second neck portions of thesecurity apparatus and is used to attach the security apparatus to adisplay surface; selecting one of the versions of the neck base; andincluding, within the box or bag, the selected version of the neck base.17. The method of claim 16, wherein the selecting one of the versions ofthe neck base is based on a customer request.
 18. The method of claim16, wherein: a first said version of the neck base includes a firstnumber of bolts; a second said version of the neck base includes asecond number of bolts that differs from the first number of bolts; anda third said version of the neck base includes a single cylindricalthreaded rod.
 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the rectangular shapedportable electronic device that the apparatus can be used to secure to adisplay surface comprises a mobile phone or a tablet computer.
 20. Themethod of claim 11, wherein the rectangular shaped portable electronicdevice that the apparatus can be used to secure to a display surfacecomprises an e-reader or a personal data assistant.